Aromas of raspberry and vanilla. The flavors of tart red plum dominate, and that is grand. Probably a year past prime. Tannins are barely detectable and that diminishes its structure and balance. Not getting many of the organic notes others have commented on in earlier comments, but their ghosts are there. The flavors win the day with me.
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We had the Valenti Ranch, not the Ornbaun, to clarify. Seductive, grows on you cool climate syrah, featuring "secondary" flavors like black pepper, olive and piney notes that almost become the primary flavors. Complex.
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Maybe it needs some time? Given the enthusiasm of the wine shop staff member for this as a favorite cool climate California Syrah, I was expecting more. (His recommendations are usually spot on.) It came across a bit generic and boring even though it was good. Good fruit, no overuse of oak, good balance, but simple and never grabbing my attention. Seemed more like a great choice for a BBQ wine, a crowd pleaser. A good wine, but there is better QPR to be found elsewhere.
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8/25/2021 - OldHick95 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Aromas of raspberry and vanilla. The flavors of tart red plum dominate, and that is grand. Probably a year past prime. Tannins are barely detectable and that diminishes its structure and balance. Not getting many of the organic notes others have commented on in earlier comments, but their ghosts are there. The flavors win the day with me.
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1/31/2018 - yatchisin Likes this wine: 89 Points
We had the Valenti Ranch, not the Ornbaun, to clarify. Seductive, grows on you cool climate syrah, featuring "secondary" flavors like black pepper, olive and piney notes that almost become the primary flavors. Complex.
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4/7/2017 - tward wrote: 86 Points
Maybe it needs some time? Given the enthusiasm of the wine shop staff member for this as a favorite cool climate California Syrah, I was expecting more. (His recommendations are usually spot on.) It came across a bit generic and boring even though it was good. Good fruit, no overuse of oak, good balance, but simple and never grabbing my attention. Seemed more like a great choice for a BBQ wine, a crowd pleaser. A good wine, but there is better QPR to be found elsewhere.
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3/31/2017 - EMichels wrote: 87 Points
Nice new world nose; Chocolate; Dull Edges; Cherry/strawberry
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